The uncomfortable truth about Black Friday in Mexico: the legal traps no one wants to tell you about

Black Friday is no longer just an imported trend—it has become one of the most aggressive shopping events in Mexico. And yes, it’s also the season where most Mexicans fall for misleading advertising, fake deals, and discounts that legally should not exist.

As the creator of Abogadomex, I receive frustrated messages every year:
“The price increased before the discount,”
“The 50% off was fake,”
“I bought it and it never arrived.”

Let me be clear: it’s not your fault. But you can defend yourself legally.


What is considered misleading advertising on Black Friday?

Legally, misleading advertising is anything that misleads the consumer through:

  • False information
  • Manipulated prices before the discount
  • Incomplete promotions
  • Hidden restrictions
  • Misleading product images

In Mexico, this is regulated by the Federal Consumer Protection Law (LFPC) and enforced by PROFECO.


The most common traps I see every year

consumidor engañado revisando precio black friday mexico

The fake “before and after” price

Many stores inflate the original price to simulate a mega discount.
This directly violates Article 32 of the LFPC.

Hidden-condition discounts

“50% off”… but only with a specific card or buying two products.
If it’s not clearly stated, it’s misleading.

Deals that disappear at checkout

The price changes at the final payment stage.
This is an abusive practice and legally sanctionable.

Premium photos, mediocre products

The typical case where the store shows a top product but delivers a lower-quality version.


Your consumer rights on Black Friday

Even though many stores try to ignore them, your rights do not disappear.

You have the right to:

  • Have the advertised price honored
  • Clear and verifiable information
  • Warranty and returns
  • No unauthorized charges
  • File a complaint with PROFECO

What to do if you fell for a fake deal

1. Keep screenshots

Price, description, conditions, date, and time.

2. Contact the store first

Many companies prefer to resolve issues before PROFECO involvement.

3. File a complaint with PROFECO

You can do this via ConciliaExprés.
PROFECO can:

  • Order the store to honor the price
  • Request full refunds
  • Impose fines
  • Force product delivery

4. Consider legal support if the store doesn’t respond

Many law firms handle misleading advertising cases, especially when significant financial losses occur.


How to avoid being scammed this Black Friday: my personal tips

  • Be skeptical of discounts over 50%
  • Check price history
  • Verify recent reviews
  • Avoid stores without a clear fiscal address
  • Read all terms and conditions of the promotion
  • If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is

Do you live in CDMX, Guadalajara, or Monterrey? This is especially important for you

These three cities have the highest number of complaints about misleading advertising in Mexico, especially during Black Friday.


Misleading advertising in CDMX

In Mexico City, stores like Liverpool, Sears, Walmart, and platforms like Amazon report numerous complaints regarding:

  • Inflated prices
  • Deals that are not honored
  • Price changes at checkout

Legal tip: keep all evidence.
If the store refuses to honor the price, consumer protection lawyers in CDMX are highly effective.

Find local specialists on Abogadomex.mx.


Misleading advertising in Guadalajara (Jalisco)

In Guadalajara, the most common issues are:

  • Promotions with hidden restrictions
  • Duplicate charges
  • Deals not honored in malls

If you shop at Andares or Galerías, check prices and terms carefully.
Abogadomex.mx has consumer law specialists in Zapopan, Guadalajara, and Tlaquepaque.


Misleading advertising in Monterrey (Nuevo León)

In Monterrey, most complaints come from online purchases, especially at:

  • Amazon
  • Mercado Libre
  • Electronics stores

Consumer lawyers in Nuevo León specializing in misleading advertising are highly active in litigation.
Find them easily on Abogadomex.mx.


profeco denuncia publicidad engañosa black friday
  • Consumer lawyers in CDMX for PROFECO cases – find them on AbogadoMex.mx
  • Lawyers in Guadalajara for commercial fraud – verified profiles available
  • Lawyers in Monterrey specializing in misleading advertising – check the directory

Do you need a lawyer who will actually defend you against misleading advertising?

If you’re tired of stores ignoring your complaints or want to recover your money with legal support, at AbogadoMex.mx you can find lawyers specializing in:

✔ Consumer law
✔ Misleading advertising
✔ PROFECO complaints
✔ Commercial fraud and online purchases

👉 Check the full directory here: Abogadomex.mx

All profiles are verified and have real experience in consumer cases.
Don’t fight alone: a lawyer can enforce your rights quickly and legally.

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